By Ira Winderman, South Florida Sun Sentinel : The Miami Heat is among several teams mulling a possible bid for Amare Stoudemire, according to a source familiar with the situation.

The Phoenix Suns, according to numerous media outlets, have been listening to overtures regarding the veteran power forward, amid concern by the team that he might depart without compensation next summer as a free agent.

While the Heat is doing its due diligence, several other teams have gone as far as to see whether Stoudemire would be amenable to an extension if he is acquired before the Feb. 18 trading deadline.

The Heat likely would take a different approach. If anything, Stoudemire's $17.7 million option for next season could get in the way of a possible deal, since the invoking of such a 2010-11 option by Stoudemire would take the Heat out of the premium level of 2010 free agency if guard Dwyane Wade re-signs in July.

For the Heat, which likely would have to part with forward Michael Beasley in such a deal, a move for Stoudemire essentially would be a move away from the hope of a potential signing of the Toronto Raptors' Chris Bosh or Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James next summer.

By Michael Wallace, Miami Herald : "I read a Charles Barkley quote when he said we were a team full of Tito Jacksons," Michael Beasley said after Tuesday's practice. "I do not think that at all. Udonis Haslem is one of the best shooters [and] hardest-working rebounders in the league. And I think I can score with anybody in the NBA. It's not about saying it anymore. It's about doing it."

Beasley has taken aim with his game. Having settled into his role as the starting power forward, Beasley has scored in double figures in 14 of the past 15 games. He already has eight 20-point games this season, well ahead of his rookie season's pace when he scored at least 20 on 16 occasions.

Call Beasley improved. Just don't call him Tito, not that he's putting down one of the lesser-regarded Jacksons.

"Nothing against Tito; he's pretty talented," Beasley said. "But when you put him next to Mike, it's not really a comparison. It's like saying Rick Fox is talented. But when you put him next to Mike Jordan, it's really no competition."

Comparisons aside, Beasley just wants to show the league that he stacks up as a solid sidekick for Dwyane Wade this season. Beasley is second on the team in scoring, averaging 15.9 points and seven rebounds.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that second-year forward Michael Beasley returned to South Florida on Sunday after being released from a substance abuse rehab facility in Houston. Beasley went to the facility for violating the NBA's substance abuse program, shortly after he posted erratic messages on Twitter, which included a photo of himself that appeared to show a banned substance in the background.

Beasley is expected to begin working out with the Heat immediately at the American Airlines Arena.